The M.D. of Bonnyville’s recycling program continued to grow in 2025, with residents diverting hundreds of tonnes of material from landfills while a new provincial funding model is expected to significantly change how municipal recycling programs operate.

Council received the municipality’s 2025 Waste and Recycling Reports during its June 23 meeting, where Manager of Waste Services Brad Ollen highlighted another busy year across the M.D.’s network of landfills, transfer stations and recycling sites.

The reports show cardboard recycling reached another record year, while used oil collection, electronics recycling and battery recycling all remained strong. At the same time, the municipality began transitioning to Alberta’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which shifts much of the cost of residential recycling from municipalities to the companies that produce packaging and paper products.

Cardboard Continues to Lead the Way

Cardboard remained by far the M.D.’s most recycled material in 2025.

Residents recycled more than 176,000 kilograms of cardboard, continuing a steady upward trend that has seen participation increase significantly over the past decade. Plastic, paper and tin cans also continued to be collected through the municipality’s recycling network.

Ollen told council the new EPR program officially took effect on April 1, fundamentally changing how household recycling is funded.

Instead of municipalities covering processing costs, producers of packaging and printed paper now assume much of that responsibility, resulting in a major financial benefit for local governments.

New Provincial Program Brings Financial Boost

One of the biggest changes in 2025 was the introduction of Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility program.

The M.D. received nearly $269,000 through Circular Materials under the new funding model, helping push total recycling-related revenue to more than $280,000 for the year. By comparison, total recycling revenue in 2024 was just over $21,000.

The municipality also generated revenue through electronics recycling, scrap metal, paint, batteries, agricultural plastics and other stewardship programs.

Ollen said the transition marks one of the biggest changes to municipal recycling in years and should reduce long-term costs for taxpayers while maintaining existing services.

More Than Just Blue Bins

Council heard the recycling program now includes a wide variety of materials beyond traditional household recyclables.

In 2025, residents recycled:

• More than 48,500 litres of used oil.
• Nearly 28,500 kilograms of electronics.
• Over 95 tonnes of tires.
• More than 32,000 kilograms of mattresses.
• More than 11,400 kilograms of grain bags.
• Nearly 4,500 kilograms of paint.

The municipality also operates freecycle buildings at its landfill sites, allowing residents to leave reusable household items for others rather than sending them to the landfill.

Thousands Continue Using M.D. Facilities

The waste report also shows residents continue to make extensive use of municipal waste facilities.

Nearly 24,000 visits were recorded at the M.D.’s Class 3 landfill sites during 2025, with an estimated 479 tonnes of inert waste disposed of by residents.

Overall, more than 3,265 tonnes of Class 2 waste were managed through the municipality’s waste system during the year.

Following the presentation, council accepted the 2025 Waste and Recycling Reports as information.

Ollen noted the reports not only track recycling trends but also help council monitor changing waste patterns, evaluate programs and plan future investments as provincial recycling policies continue to evolve.